You’re offline. This is a read only version of the page.
Sometimes the path you set out on isn’t the one that leads to your true purpose. Meet Heinrich Basson, a Bachelor of Science in Information Technology, Software Engineering stream, and a Bachelor of Science Honours in Information Technology, Software Engineering stream, graduate from Eduvos, whose curiosity for how things work led him from aspiring pathologist to accomplished software engineer.
Heinrich’s academic journey began with an interest in biomedicine. After being offered a bursary and touring a laboratory, he quickly realised that his passion lay not in the repetitive tasks of pathology but in the technology driving the automation behind it.
“I saw how everything was automated through machines and robots. At the time, I was doing IT in high school as a filler subject and really enjoyed it. That’s what prompted me to study software engineering, and I haven’t had a day’s regret,” he says.
His discovery of how technology drives innovation sparked a deep fascination that ultimately led him to study at Eduvos, drawn by the practical, industry-focused approach. “I started working while I was still doing my bachelor’s, so I had about two years of work experience before graduating and three more after,” Heinrich explains.
Heinrich’s time at Eduvos coincided with one of the world’s biggest disruptions, the COVID-19 pandemic. Like many students, his experience shifted from the classroom to the virtual space. Yet for Heinrich, this change opened new doors.
“After the hard lockdown hit, everyone moved to remote studying. It gave me the opportunity to move to Cape Town for work while continuing my degree. Even though I wasn’t on campus, I never felt excluded. The support from Eduvos faculty and staff was amazing,” he recalls.
Through this balance of work and study, Heinrich developed not just technical skills but also adaptability and problem-solving abilities that would later define his career. “The degree had a lot of practical aspects. Much of what we studied directly applied to what I was doing at work. I often found myself learning something new and immediately applying it to real projects,” he says.
Today, Heinrich works in a manufacturing company that builds massive industrial equipment, where he helps design and maintain the custom-built software that powers the entire operation.
“We don’t like using third-party software because everything we do is very purpose-built. Ninety per cent of our systems are custom-developed. From quality assurance to finance and engineering, even our factory floor, everything runs on apps we’ve developed in-house,” he explains.
While many software engineers focus purely on coding, Heinrich’s degree helped him think like a systems architect. “My qualification wasn’t just about learning to code. It taught me how to approach software from an engineering perspective, to think about the full lifecycle, the stakeholders, and downstream effects. That’s given me an edge in the workplace,” he says.
One of the modules that had a lasting impact on him was Computer-Human Interaction, which reshaped how he approached front-end development. “I’ve never been naturally talented at making good front-end systems, but that module completely changed my perspective. Four years later, I still apply what I learned,” he reflects.
Since graduating, Heinrich’s career has continued to grow. He credits Eduvos not just for technical knowledge but for shaping how he tackles challenges. “Eduvos influenced how I approach problems. I’ve grown in knowledge and experience, but that foundation made me adaptable and confident,” he says.
He also stays actively involved in the Eduvos Alumni association, which he describes as supportive and collaborative. “There’s a very strong sense of community. People are always willing to help, share advice, and connect. I haven’t heard of anyone else experiencing this level of support after graduation,” he says proudly.
His achievements have even inspired employers to look to Eduvos for new talent. “After my company saw the standards and work ethic of Eduvos graduates, the first place they wanted to look for new developers was Eduvos,” he adds.
Heinrich’s journey from biomedicine to software engineering is proof that career paths aren’t always straight lines. Sometimes, they’re designed by curiosity and courage.
Listen to more of Heinrich’s story on Algoa FM.
Stay updated with the latest from our Eduvos Blog.